Luton airport has been given the go-ahead to expand after councillors granted final planning consent for the project.

The £100 million development will raise the airport's capacity from 12 million to 18 million by 2031 as the terminal is enlarged and modernised. It is thought this could create up to 5,000 new jobs in the town.

Redevelopment work will involve a number of changes, including the provision of 15 immigration passenger screening lanes, nine luggage reclaim conveyors and more retail space.

A new multi-storey car park will also be constructed at the site, as well as a parallel taxiway to permit more takeoffs and landings.

Clive Condie, airport executive chairman, said the news "marks the start of an exciting new journey for London Luton".

"Our vision is for a vastly improved Airport which plays a major role in providing more capacity in the London system," he added.